How To Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow: Safe Care Guide for Foam Pillows

If you’re wondering how to clean Tempur Pedic pillow safely without ruining its feel or shape, you’re not alone. Foam pillows require different care than regular fiber or feather pillows, and washing them the wrong way can cause permanent damage.

This FAQ-style guide walks through what you can and can’t do, plus simple steps to keep your pillow fresh.

What Makes This Type of Pillow Different?

These pillows are usually made from viscoelastic foam (often called “memory foam”).

Unlike traditional pillows:

  • The foam core should not be machine washed or fully soaked
  • The pillow often comes with a removable, washable cover
  • The material is sensitive to heat, harsh chemicals, and agitation

Because of this, learning how to clean Tempur Pedic pillow properly is mostly about spot cleaning the foam and regularly washing the cover.

Can You Put a Tempur-Style Foam Pillow in the Washing Machine?

No – the foam core should not go in the washing machine or dryer.

Agitation and spinning can tear or crumble the foam, and soaking it can cause it to lose its structure. High heat from a dryer can also damage the material.

Safe rule of thumb:

  • Machine wash only the removable cover
  • Hand spot-clean the foam itself

How To Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow Covers

Most of these pillows come with a zippered, removable cover. This is your first line of defense against sweat, oils, and spills.

Step-by-step for the cover

  1. Check the care tag

    • Follow any specific instructions printed on the label.

  2. Remove the cover carefully

    • Unzip and slide it off without pulling hard on the foam.

  3. Machine wash the cover

    • Use cold or warm water
    • Choose a gentle cycle
    • Use a mild detergent

  4. Dry the cover

    • Air-dry flat if possible, or
    • Use a low-heat dryer setting if allowed on the label

Let the cover dry completely before putting it back on the pillow.

How To Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow Foam (Spot Cleaning Only)

When dealing with stains or spills on the foam core, focus on gentle spot cleaning.

Basic spot-cleaning steps

  1. Prepare a mild cleaning solution

    • Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with cool water.
    • You want a lightly soapy solution, not heavy suds.

  2. Dampen a clean cloth

    • Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out well.
    • The cloth should be damp, not dripping.

  3. Blot the stained area

    • Gently press and lift the cloth over the stain.
    • Avoid scrubbing, twisting, or wringing the foam.

  4. Rinse with a separate damp cloth

    • Use a second cloth with plain water to blot away any soap residue.

  5. Blot excess moisture

    • Press a dry towel on the area to pull out as much water as possible.

  6. Air-dry thoroughly

    • Lay the pillow flat in a well-ventilated spot.
    • Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
    • Do not use a tumble dryer or hair dryer on high heat.

Only use the pillow again when it feels completely dry all the way through.

How Do You Deodorize a Foam Pillow Without Washing It?

Over time, pillows can pick up odors from sweat, hair products, or the room environment. To freshen it up without soaking:

  • Air it out regularly
    • Remove the cover and lay the pillow flat in a cool, dry, shaded area.
  • Use a breathable protector
    • A protective cover can help reduce buildup of odors from the start.
  • Avoid heavy fragrances
    • Strong sprays can linger in the foam and may be hard to remove.

Some people lightly dust baking soda on foam and vacuum it later, but this can risk leaving residue in the material. If you try it, use a very light sprinkle and a gentle vacuum with care.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning This Kind of Pillow?

To keep your foam pillow in good condition, avoid the following:

  • ❌ Machine washing or machine drying the foam core
  • ❌ Soaking or submerging the foam in water
  • ❌ Bleach, strong chemicals, or harsh stain removers
  • ❌ Hot water or high heat, including radiators or direct sunlight
  • ❌ Twisting, wringing, or folding the foam aggressively

These can cause the foam to crack, lose shape, or break down much faster.

How Often Should You Clean a Tempur-Style Pillow?

Frequency depends on use, but a simple routine works well:

  • Cover: Wash every 1–2 weeks, or more often if needed
  • Foam spot cleaning: Only as necessary for visible stains or spills
  • General freshening: Air out the pillow every few months

Using a pillow protector under the main cover can also help reduce how often you need to clean the foam itself.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow

  • Do not machine wash or dry the foam core – only the removable cover is usually machine washable.
  • Spot clean the foam with a lightly damp cloth and mild detergent, then blot and air-dry completely.
  • Avoid soaking, bleach, strong chemicals, and high heat, which can damage the foam.
  • Wash the cover regularly and consider a protector to limit sweat, oils, and spills from reaching the foam.
  • Let the pillow dry fully before use whenever you spot clean, to prevent lingering moisture inside the foam.

With gentle, consistent care, you can keep your foam pillow clean and comfortable without compromising its structure or feel.